The relationship between alertness and spatial attention under simulated shiftwork

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Alertness levels influence spatial attention biases, with higher alertness linked to leftward bias and lower alertness to rightward bias.
• Shiftworking conditions can significantly impact alertness, posing risks to health and safety.
• Understanding the interplay between alertness and spatial attention is crucial for mitigating risks associated with altered work schedules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between alertness and spatial attention under simulated shiftworking conditions.
• To determine if changes in alertness affect spatial bias and attentional focus.
• To assess the implications for safety and performance in shiftwork environments.

Main Methods:

• A seven-day laboratory-based simulated shiftwork study involving 19 healthy participants.
• Assessment of alertness using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and Psychomotor Vigilance Task.
• Evaluation of spatial attention using the Landmark Task and Detection Task.

Main Results:

• Lowered alertness correlated with slower reaction times and more omissions on the Detection Task, especially for peripheral stimuli.
• Evidence suggests a narrowing of visuospatial attention and a slight left-sided neglect under conditions of lowered alertness.
• No significant associations were found between alertness levels and spatial bias on the Landmark Task.

Conclusions:

• Findings indicate that reduced alertness during simulated shiftwork may lead to a slight neglect of the left visual field and narrowed attention.
• Compromised ability to detect peripheral and left-sided information under fatigue highlights potential safety concerns.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex relationship between spatial attention and alertness in shiftwork settings.